Accusation Tied to Missing Hidden Cash and Suspicious Crypto Claims
Julia DeLuney, a 53-year-old New Zealander, is accused of murdering her 79-year-old mother, Helen Gregory, after allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars in cash to invest in cryptocurrency. According to court testimony, Gregory, who distrusted banks, kept large sums of money hidden in plastic packets around her home.
While hospitalized in September 2023, Gregory’s daughter and son-in-law reportedly stayed in her house. Upon returning, Gregory noticed the home in disarray and NZD $51,000 ($30,000 USD) missing, according to a close friend.
Crypto Investments Under Question
When confronted, DeLuney allegedly admitted to investing NZD $45,000 in cryptocurrency, claiming future returns. Friends stated that she later told her mother she had made a profit of over NZD $160,000, but needed NZD $18,000 for withdrawal fees and taxes—a tactic experts say is common in crypto scams.
“She told me categorically… the only person who knew the money was there was Julia,” said Gregory’s friend Cheryl Thomson during her testimony.
Financial analysis presented in court showed DeLuney had spent NZD $93,000 on crypto between January 2023 and January 2024, while receiving over NZD $55,000 from friends and family. By early 2024, her investments were down nearly NZD $41,000, raising concerns about financial motives.
Tragic Death Leads to Homicide Investigation
In January 2024, Gregory was found dead in her home just two days after receiving DeLuney’s email about the crypto gains. Prosecutors allege that DeLuney murdered her mother and staged the scene to look like a fall from the attic.
Despite her claims that Gregory was injured in a minor fall, forensic evidence revealed blood on floors and walls, as well as hair clumps—details not consistent with an accidental fall.
Investigators highlighted several inconsistencies in DeLuney’s story, including multiple clothing changes and travel patterns that contradicted her timeline. Under cross-examination, police revealed that key details were missing from her accounts.
A Case of Crypto, Debt, and Deception?
The case raises serious questions about how financial pressure and speculative crypto investing may lead to tragic outcomes. With the trial ongoing, prosecutors aim to prove that the motive behind Gregory’s death was rooted in misplaced trust and financial desperation.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.